If we want to live more often in this peaceful calm space and be aware of God's presence 24/7, I've found it helpful to practice the "prayer of quiet".
It's a centering prayer of quiet that enables us to turn our attention towards God. We take a few moments or more to find a quiet, comfortable place so that we can:
1. Settle down and let go of any thoughts, tensions and negative feelings we may be carrying. We allow ourselves to rest in God and His love. God says to us, "Be still, and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10)
2. Sometimes, it's easier to keep our minds focused on Him if we have a word to say to keep ourselves surrendered to God's presence. That word is something that will draw our attention back to God, such as Jesus, or Holy or Pappa. When you become aware of other thoughts or feelings arising, take this as a prompting to return to that chosen word.
3. When thoughts subside, and we find ourselves aware of God's presence, we can let go of saying the word and sit in the quiet with Him.
In the stillness, we know Him. In Mark 4:39, we read where Jesus "rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, 'Peace! Be still!' And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm." Jesus has the power of stillness. When we take time to be still with Jesus, we can know peace and calmness, and our lives begin to slow down.
In the stillness, we find healing and our lives are restored. (If in the midst of this quiet, distracting thoughts or sensations start to stir, gently return to your chosen word to keep focused on God).
4. At the end of this "prayer of quiet" (aim for 10 minutes, to begin with), we can "step back into the day", so to speak, and give time to express our thanks to Him, and take the opportunity to pray for others, and bring to Him whatever needs we may have.
It takes practice to "be still", especially when we can be so busy, and the "noise" of the world is constant, but it's worth the effort.
Take some time today to sit with God in the stillness. His Peace and rest are found there.
"Then God said, "Go out, and stand on the mountain before the Lord." And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake, and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire and after the fire a still small voice. (1 Kings 19:11-13)
Prayer: Lord, thank you that you are with me and want to be part of every area of my life. You are not far off or distant but closer than the very air I breathe. Help me take the time to learn to be quiet and discover you in the stillness. May I be more aware of your presence with me. In Jesus name Amen.
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